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We're not talking about drum brakes, which many modern cars stopped using. Disc brakes have become the norm for today's passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs. Both brake ss use a hydraulic system to operate but feature different components. While drum brakes consist of drums, shoes, and wheel cylinders, you'll find rotors, calipers, and pads in a disc brake system. Although each of these components is vital, their size, construction, and appearance can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

But how brakes work remains the same: controlling a vehicle's momentum via friction. Push down on the brake pedal, and that force is transferred to slow the roll. In the case of disc brakes, hydraulic pressure moves through a master cylinder to squeeze the caliper and its pads around the rotor. This friction eventually slows the spinning disc to a stop. Modern systems also include a brake booster, which reduces the amount of pressure you need to apply to the brake pedal. 

Specifically focusing on rotors, today's standard material is steel or cast-iron, but it's usually the latter. The material is affordable, durable, and maintains a Goldilocks temperature range. But just like there are different types of fuel, if this is regular octane, what's considered mid-grade and premium? Carbon-ceramic disc brakes are widely touted for their high-performance attributes and are often packaged with luxury and sports cars. And then there are carbon-carbon rotors, which would be comparative to racing fuel. But, similar to whether premium gas is necessary, do you really need carbon brakes?

What are carbon and carbon ceramic brakes made of?

Cast-iron brakes are heavy but cost effective. Carbon-based brakes are neither. This is why carbon-ceramic and carbon-carbon brakes are reserved for performance-oriented vehicles. Even when considering brake pad options, like ceramic versus organic brake pads, the differences are based on daily driver usage versus ultra-high-horsepower stopping needs.

Carbon-ceramic brakes are, of course, a notable step up from traditional cast iron. Made primarily of a carbon fiber and a silicon carbide blend, the result is a lighter, stronger, and more heat-resistant brake disc. The durability of carbon-ceramic brakes can be as great as 100,000 miles, reports Autotrader. Cast-iron brakes will survive for about half that mileage. Now, couple carbon-ceramic rotors with ceramic brake pads, and you've got outstanding braking power with little to no brake dust or noise.

Carbon-carbon brakes, on the other hand, are the upper echelon, as they are made entirely of carbon-based materials. According to Road & Track, with a priority on weight savings and sparing no expense, these brakes were developed for the Concorde, the luxury super plane that no longer exists. These new brakes shaved off more than 1,320 pounds while also providing supersonic stopping power for a passenger jet with a breakneck takeoff speed of 250 mph. Although the Concorde didn't survive, its carbon-carbon brakes did. Naturally, these fantastical parts eventually found their way into Formula 1.

Similar to carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-carbon ones don't perform great when cold, but they can withstand extremely high temperatures without overheating. How hot? Hellishly, as in up to 5,432 degrees Fahrenheit (3,000 Celsius) versus the 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit (700 Celsius) a basic brake rotor can withstand. You can see how these would be a hypercar's brake rotor material of choice.

Who are carbon brakes for, and are they worth it?

Top-tier performance, longevity, and stability — what's the catch? Well, the price of carbon brakes is also exceptional.

Autotrader estimates that standard disc brakes will cost about $500, give or take. Upgrade to carbon-ceramic components, and you're looking at paying thousands, not hundreds, more. A pair of Brembo GT rotors can easily set you back a couple grand, and that's before installation costs. Sure, they'll basically outlast your vehicle, but what is the return on investment at $3,000 to $15,000? Or, for high-end sports cars, that price could climb to upward of $20,000 and more. It's probably best to upgrade the rest of the brake assembly, too, with pads and potentially different calipers that are suited for carbon discs. Unless you own a racing team or a plane, it's probably best not to ask about the price of carbon-carbon brakes.

Another downside with carbon-ceramic brakes is their sensitivity to impact. Sure, carbon is strong, but few things are stronger than a pothole hit at high speeds. J.D. Power says ceramic brakes can crack or shatter.

Carbon brakes will make sense for a dedicated track-only racer but not your commuter Camry. Their ultra-high heat resistance, for example, is instrumental to maintaining performance. Being less susceptible to overheating helps prevent brake fade, warped rotors, and inconsistent stopping power. For the price of carbon discs, though, you could own a small personal fleet of cheap cars you wouldn't be embarrassed to daily or even a dedicated crop of the best winter beaters to rent out to the carbon brake buyers, because, you know, those things can't handle the freeze.